Illegal protests at Ulundi
This group has openly criticised the department for making this intervention, and disrupted operations at the department’s Ulundi office, which has affected service delivery in the area
THE KZN Department of Transport has expressed concerns about the illegal protest action by a small group purporting to be representing the youth of Ulundi, objecting to the move by the department to create work opportunities for unemployed young people.
This group has openly criticised the department for making this intervention, and disrupted operations at the department’s Ulundi office, which has affected service delivery in the area.
The department announced the creation of 4 000 work opportunities through its programme dubbed Vukayibambe Routine Road Maintenance programme. This programme also seeks to empower young people by developing a skills base, as the majority of them are expected to finish this two-year programme with NQF level 3 qualifications.
When presenting the 2019/2020 budget policy speech early this month, the MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mxolisi Kaunda, referred to the Vukayibambe programme as ‘a game changer’, which was necessary in opening doors to young people.
Commenting on the reported protest, Kaunda, called on those who are involved to respect the policies of the current government, saying when people are employed by Ulundi Local Municipality and Zululand District Municipality there has never been any protest action.
‘The Vukayibambe Routine Road Maintenance programme is a progressive intervention aimed at uplifting unemployed youth in KwaZulu-Natal.
‘Anyone objecting to this programme is insulting young people who desperately need work opportunities and skills development.
‘The recruitment process was beyond reproach and everyone employed provided proof that they are resident in that district municipality.
‘The youth who were employed also include those who are on the government database, gathered during the Operation Sukuma Sakhe programme.
‘Those are mainly heading poor families. None of them were employed on the basis of political affiliation or asked to produce a membership card. Such allegations are malicious and baseless,’ said Kaunda.
Some of the key activities performed under the Vukayibambe Routine Road Maintenance programme include traffic accommodation, cleaning and grubbing, tree felling, removal of litter from verge and median, clearing of drains and waterways, cleaning of kerbs and channels, installation of road signs, installation of road studs and minor pothole patching.
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